Virginia may be for lovers. But Gloucester and Mathews are for lovers of Virginia.

While our communities may not have the big attractions of a Virginia Beach, Colonial Williamsburg or Busch Gardens, what we do offer is a chance to experience small-town Tidewater Virginia life—with its traditional Court House areas, great local seafood, unique shopping experiences, scenic vistas, fishing and fun on the water and our warm, friendly people.

Tourism is big business in the commonwealth. In 2010, tourism generated $19 billion in revenue, supported more than 204,000 jobs and provided $1.3 billion in state and local tax revenue, according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Virginia ranks eighth in the nation in terms of domestic travelers.

May 5-13 is National Tourism Week, marking the unofficial start of the summer vacation season. Families with school-age children are busy mapping out their trips, looking to discover something new and fun. With volatile gas prices and a strug...